Forever in your eyes

Chapter 7

Author's note: How have you all been?  This story isn't getting a lot of feedback; please review cuz I love hearing from you!

            "You weren't home yesterday," Eriol said. It was a productive after school and he was walking with Tomoyo. 

            "Oh, I went with my mom to the doctor's office," she answered.

            "Is she alright?"

            "Healthy as a cucumber...or so the saying goes," she smiled at him.

            "I noticed," he started, " that you don't have a camera on you anymore."

            Tomoyo nodded. "I quit that habit."

            "Nothing to film anymore?"

            She nodded. "Basically.  You know, I think our song can be a great success."

            "Me too."  He noticed she changed the subject, but didn't bother to dwell on it.

            "We should get together more often.  Especially since the show is coming up soon," she suggested.  She began to hum the unfinished melody they composed.

            "I also noticed...something different.  You've changed," he said. "I can't put my finger on it but you seem more reserved."

            "Is that good or bad?"

            "Neither; it's just a change."

            Tomoyo's eyes turned away from him.  "It's getting awfully cold.  We'd better hurry home," she said.

            Odd, he thought, his jacket draped over his arm, it's actually a little warm to me.

            As days passed, Eriol saw her wear a scarf around her neck and a thick coat as they walked home.  He had to admit, he pitied the girls because they always had to wear skirts during the upcoming winter frosts.  At times, he let her borrow his coat to satisfy some warmth in her.

            "Arigato," she thanked him.  She could read the concern in his eyes. "I get cold quite easily you know."

            "Maybe you should buy thicker coats," he suggested.

            She nodded. "Perhaps you're right."

            "You're finished?" Hine-sensei asked.

            Tomoyo and Eriol nodded. "Yes," he answered. It was after school and they reported to Hine-sensei that their song was all done.

            She sat down on the nearest desk. "Please let me hear it."

            Tomoyo stood to the side of the piano while Eriol sat in front of the keys.  He pulled out the music sheets, its staffs marked with notes.  He played and soon Tomoyo's voice accompanied it.  After the song, Tomoyo curtsied, and Eriol stood and bowed.

            Hine-sensei got to her feet and clapped. "Marvelous! I'm so glad Mizuki-sensei paired you two together!"

            Eriol turned and collected his music sheets. Tomoyo turned to him, then to her teacher. "Yes, it's very fortunate I was paired with a wonderful and talented person." She bowed to the teacher. "We better head home now. So long."

            Tomoyo and Eriol walked their way home in silence.  Tomoyo watched Eriol; his face was distant and far-off.

            "Are you thinking of her?" she asked, refocusing his attention.

            He turned to her. "What?"

            "Are you still in love with Mizuki-sensei?"

            "I do have feelings for her still but..." Eriol trailed off. "I learned to live without her. I have to; I have no choice."

            Tomoyo nodded, tightening the scarf around her neck.  "That's a good thing, right?"

            "God, I hope so," he sighed.

            They looked at each other and exchanged smiles.

            The first weekend of December was just around the corner.

...to be continued =)